INTRODUCTION The word communication is derived from the Latin noun ‘communis’ and the Latin verb ‘communicare’ that means to ‘make common’.
Definition n
And making an understanding.
Communication in personal life: Communication in social life: Communication in the state affairs: Communication in business: Communication in management Communication in industrial relations Communication in international affairs Communication in religion: Scope of communication
Purpose of Communication :
Types of Communication Diction: Style of speaking and writing
Communication Process The communication process is the steps we take in order to successfully communicate . Components of the communication process include a sender, encoding of a message, selecting of a channel of communication , receipt of the message by the receiver and decoding of the message. The communication is a dynamic process that begins with the conceptualizing of ideas by the sender who then transmits the message through a channel to the receiver, who in turn gives the feedback in the form of some message or signal within the given time frame.
Process of Communication
Element of Communication Sender: The sender or the communicator is the person who initiates the conversation and has conceptualized the idea that he intends to convey it to others. Encoding: The sender begins with the encoding process wherein he uses certain words or non-verbal methods such as symbols, signs, body gestures, etc. to translate the information into a message. The communicator has to arrange his thoughts and ideas in such a manner that he organizes his message for the benefit of the receiver. This process of arranging the ideas and preparing the message is called ‘encoding’. Encoding is the transmission of ideas into a message by the source.
Message: Message is the information or idea that the communicator tries to get across to the communicatee. Once the encoding is finished, the sender gets the message that he intends to convey. The message can be written, oral, symbolic or non-verbal such as body gestures, silence, sighs, sounds, etc. or any other signal that triggers the response of a receiver.
Message: It has 3 dimensions - Code: Any group of symbols that can be structured or arranged to give meaning to someone. eg. Words of vocabulary of a language, pictures or painting, sign and symbols etc. - Content: Substance or the materials in the message for expressing the objective or purpose of particular communication. - Treatment: Manner in which message is prepared, processed and delivered.
Communication Channel: The Sender chooses the medium through which he wants to convey his message to the recipient. It must be selected carefully in order to make the message effective and correctly interpreted by the recipient. Oral, virtual, written, sound, gesture, etc. are some of the commonly used communication mediums. Receiver: The receiver is the person for whom the message is intended or targeted.
Decoding: Here, the receiver interprets the sender’s message and tries to understand it in the best possible manner. An effective communication occurs only if the receiver understands the message in exactly the same way as it was intended by the sender. The degree to which the receiver decodes the message depends on his knowledge of the subject matter, experience, trust and relationship with the sender. Feedback: The Feedback is the final step of the process that ensures the receiver has received the message and interpreted it correctly as it was intended by the sender. It increases the effectiveness of the communication as it permits the sender to know the efficacy of his message. The response of the receiver can be verbal or non-verbal.
Causes of Noise in Communication
Physical noise is interference that is external to both speaker and listener ; it hampers the physical transmission of the signal or message. Examples of physical noise : loud party at the neighbors , others talking in the background, Other p h y si c al c onditi o n s th a t physical illness , being u n de r t h e i n fl u e n ce o f dru g s c an hin d er c o m m uni ca t i o n a r e or alcohol, or being tired. Physical noise
Physiological noise Physiological noise is created by barriers within the sender or receiver . Examples: -Articulation problems -Mumbling -Talking too fast -Talking too slow -Forgetting to pause -Forgetting to breathe - Hearing problems . Physiological noise is also caused by hunger, fatigue, headaches , medication and other factors that affect how we feel and think.
Psychological noise can be more difficult to define in a particular situation, as the mental makeup of every person is different. This type of noise includes concepts like prejudices, narrow-mindedness and personal bias . Communication can also be difficult if a person is feeling very emotional -- anger, sadness and even joy can affect how much someone can pay attention to a conversation or lecture. When we come into a conversation with ideas about what the other person is going to say and why, we can easily become blinded to their original message. Psychological noise
Effective Communication
Principles/Characteristics of Effective Communication (7 C’s and 4 S’s)
Completeness. By completeness means the message must bear all the necessary information to bring the response you desire. The sender should answer all the questions and with facts and figures. and when desirable, go for extra details. Completeness brings the desired response. Correctness. A t the t i m e of encoding, if the encoder has comprehensive knowledge about the decoder of message, it makes the communication an ease. Correctness in message helps in building confidence. Correctness means : -Use the right level of language -Correct use of grammar, spelling and punctuation -Accuracy in stating facts and figures
Clarity Clarity demands the use of simple language and easy sentence structure in composing the message. When there is clarity in presenting ideas, it’s easy for the receiver/decoder to grasp the meaning being conveyed by the sender/encoder. Clarity makes comprehension easier. Consistency: This principle states that communication should always be consistent with the policies, plans, program and objectives of the communication and not in conflict with them. If the messages and communications are in conflict with the goals; then there will be confusion in the minds of the receiver and effective communication will be hampered. Consistency reinforces the message.
Concreteness Being definite, vivid and specific rather than vague, obscure and general leads to concreteness of the message. Facts and figures being presented in the message should be specif. Correctness in message helps in building confidence. Conciseness A concise message saves time of both the sender and the receiver. Conciseness , in a business message, can be achieved by avoiding wordy expressions and repetition. Using brief and to the point sentences , including relevant material makes the message concise. Achieving conciseness does not mean to loose completeness of message. Conciseness saves time.
Principles of Communication Perception of sender and receiver should be as close as possible. There should be involvement of more than two sensory organs to give a cumulative effect. The more communication takes place face-to-face , the more is its effectiveness. Any communication without two-way process is less effective.
Factors Influencing Communication Source/ Sender: Skill in communication: Verbal, written Knowledge of channel and audience Attitude towards topic, channel, audience Source credibility Skill in encoding and decoding Skill in utilizing the channel Confidence or attitude towards self.
Message should fulfill: -Satisfy the objective -Clear -In level with the mental, social, economic capabilities of the audience -Specific -Simple -Timely -Appropriate -Accurate -Appealing -Attractive -Adequate -Applicable
Channel (Medium) Selection of right type of channel. R eadi l y access i bl e a n d a v ailable t o the both sender and receiver. Acquainted and accustomed to utilize. Noise is eliminated or minimum. Med i u m i t sel f shou l d n o t be c om e a barrier.
Receiver: Physically, mentally & psychologically prepared to receive the message. Abi l i t y t o d e c od e the messa g e f or understanding; and encode for feedback. Positive attitude about the message. Have faith in source. Be convinced that the message is helpful. Participatory communication.
Other Influencing Factors for communication Perceptions of sender & receiver Personal space/Proxemics Territoriality Roles and Relationships Time and distance Attitudes Emotions and Self-Esteem Gender Culture Personality